This Day That Year: How India Won the 1983 Cricket World Cup on June 25

June 25, 1983, is etched in every Indian cricket team fans mind. On that very day, India lifted its maiden Cricket World Cup. In fact, India became the second team after West Indies to win the World Cup. West Indies won the first two editions, 1975 and 1979, but interestingly lost to India in the final of 1983 World Cup at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground in London. Apparently, the win helped India gain an identity on the world stage and the team never looked back. India continues to be one of the strongest teams in the world.

India played eight matches during their successful campaign of 1983 Cricket World Cup, including the final. India met West Indies, Australia, and Zimbabwe twice in the first round, winning six out of eight matches. The two defeats came against defending champions West Indies and Australia before India made it to the semis. Here’s a look back at India’s memorable journey at the 1983 World Cup, which culminated with a famous win in the final on June 25: Indian Cricket Team Only Team to Win 60, 50, and 20 Over World Cups: It All Began With Kapil Dev's Team in 1983 On This Day!

India vs West Indies, June 9-10, 1983: India’s campaign got off to a promising start when they defeated the two-time champions West Indies. This was West Indies’ first loss in a World Cup match. The start of the match was delayed due to rain. India put to bat first managed 262 for eight. It was Yashpal Sharma’s 89 that helped India go past the 250-run mark. When play was called off for the day West Indies were 67 for two in 22 overs. On next day, India completed the victory by restricting mighty West Indies to 228, despite the last-wicket stand of 71 runs between Andy Roberts and Joel Garner.

India vs Zimbabwe, June 11, 1983: Following the confidence-boosting win over West Indies, India registered a comprehensive five-wicket win against Zimbabwe. India bundled out the Zimbabweans for 155 and the. Chased the target in 37.3 overs. Interestingly, Zimbabwe had defeated Australia prior to playing India.

India vs Australia, June 13, 1983: After defeating West Indies and Zimbabwe, India suffered a shambolic defeat against Australia. Chasing 320 runs, all India could manage was just 158 and thus lost the match by a huge margin of 162 runs. Barring Kapil Dev’s all-round effort (40 runs and 5/43) none of the players made a significant contribution.

India vs West Indies, June 15, 1983: In their second meeting against West Indies at the 1983 World Cup, India were floored by the then champions. Chasing 283, India could manage 216 and thus lost the match by 66 runs. Dilip Vengsarkar, coming in at number four, was retired hurt after he scored 32.

India vs Zimbabwe, June 18, 1983: India got back to winning way with a 31-run win over Zimbabwe. Though the match was remembered for one of the greatest knocks played in ODIs. India after opting to bat first were reduced to five for 17. However, Kapil Dev came out all guns blazing to smash unbeaten 175 off 138 balls. The then Indian captain slammed 16 fours and six sixes during his innings and took India to a competitive total of 266. Zimbabwe were eventually restricted to 235 as India kept their hopes of semifinal alive. Sadly, due to a TV strike the match was not televised or recorded.

India vs Australia, June 20, 1983: India completed their revenge against Australia and qualified for the semi-final. Batting first, India were all-out for 247 with Yashpal Sharm being the top-scorer. Roger Binny and Madan Lal than ran through the Australian batting and shared eight wickets between them, each scraping four wickets. Australia were bundled out for 129 and thus India emerged victorious by 118 runs.

India vs England, Semi-final, June 22, 1983: Another disciplined bowling performance saw India qualify for their maiden World Cup final. In the semis, England were restricted to 213 after electing to bat first. Kapil Dev lead from the front as he picked 3/35. In response, India chased the target with six wickets to spare. Yasphal Sharma scored valiant 61 while Sandeep Patil slammed 32-ball unbeaten 51 to guide India home.

India vs West Indies, Final, June 25, 1983: World Cup finals was an unknown territory for India. On the other hand, this was West Indies’ third consecutive World Cup final. With two titles in their kitty, West Indies was everyone’s favourite. However, Kapil Dev’s men proved everyone wrong by stunning the defending champions. India pulled off a 43-win after being restricted to 183. The first-time finalists bundled out West Indies 140 runs with Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath scaling there wickets each. Balwinder Sandhu also picked two wickets as Indian bowlers completed a ‘mission impossible'.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2018 12:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).